Pulmonary Manifestations of Immunodeficiency and Immunosuppressive Diseases Other than Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Abstract

Immune deficiencies may alter normal lung function and protective mechanisms, resulting in a myriad of pulmonary manifestations. Primary immunodeficiencies involve multiple branches of the immune system, and defects may predispose to recurrent upper and lower respiratory infections by common pathogens; opportunistic infections; and autoimmune, inflammatory, and malignant processes that may result in interstitial pneumonias. Secondary immunodeficiencies may result from neoplasms or their treatment, organ transplant and immunosuppression, and from autoimmune diseases and their treatments. Primary and secondary immunodeficiencies and their pulmonary manifestations may be difficult to diagnose and treat. A multidisciplinary approach to evaluation is essential.

Keywords: Cell-mediated immunity; Chemotherapy; Humoral immunity; Immunosuppression; Innate immunity; Primary immunodeficiency; Pulmonary infection; Secondary immunodeficiency.